Why number pages
Page numbers make long documents usable: readers can find sections, refer to “page 12” in emails and meetings, and put printed pages back in order if they get mixed up. Projects, theses, legal files and reports are often expected to have them.
How the settings work
Choose the position — bottom centre, bottom right, bottom left, top centre, top right or top left — and the style: 1, 2, 3; Page 1; Page 1 of 10; or 1 / 10. Set the number to start counting at, the font size (small, medium or large), and which pages to number, so you can skip covers and contents pages.
Choosing the right format
“Page 1 of 10” is common for legal and official documents because it shows if a page is missing. Simple numbers at the bottom centre suit books, reports and assignments. For double-sided printing, bottom-centre numbers look right on both left and right pages.
Common problems and how to fix them
Numbers overlap a footer: choose a top position or a smaller size. The count starts on the cover: type only the pages to number and set the starting number. Pages were in the wrong order: fix the order with Organize PDF before numbering.
Good habits
Number pages as the last step after merging, deleting and reordering, check the first and last page of the result, and keep the unnumbered original.